This month, I am beginning a new chapter in my life: college. I have also recently closed a chapter that was very rocky and quite confusing: childhood. Looking back, I know that there are mistakes that shouldn't have been made, people I shouldn't have associated with, things I shouldn't have done, and things I should've said. Here is a list of things I would tell my younger self:
1. It's okay to relax.
Don't forget that you are a kid. You do not have to be attentive and professional every single moment of the day. Just take a break sometimes.
2. Play a sport, learn an instrument, take up a new hobby.
It doesn't matter what it is. These types of things build friendships and bonds. Plus, you will not be stuck in your house every night bored out of your mind.
3. Get excited about the small things.
Sometimes, it can be easy to be impatient as we wait for the exciting things in life (which, frankly, are few and far between). One of the greatest ways to keep yourself happy is finding little things that make you happy (like when your friend smiles when they see you or how it smells like roses on your walk to school). Like they say, it is the small moments that make up a life.
4. Hurt is inevitable.
People will break your heart. People will let you down. You will spend nights crying yourself to sleep, but it is okay. You're only defense against the pains of life is to not let it stop you.
5. Everything happens for a reason.
There is a time and place for everything under the sun. Maybe your car not starting in the morning kept you from getting in an accident that happened at a place you would have been at the time you would have normally been there. There is a reason that boy broke up with you, and it is probably because he is stupid. You don't need him anyway.
6. Choose your battles wisely
I cannot stress this enough. Just because you are right does not mean everyone needs to know. Sometimes it is best just to take the loss and move on.
7. Failure is going to happen. Just make sure you deal with it well.
You. Will. Fail. There is no way around it. No one gets through high school without failing at some aspect of their life. The important thing is that you always face failure with grace. Learn from your failure and move on. The important thing is that you will be okay.
8. You are beautiful, regardless of others' opinions.
Don't let anyone tell you that your body type, clothing style, or any other physical characteristic defines your beauty. Every piece of you is God- made and something wonderful. You were art before they came around and you'll be art long after they leave.
9. MANAGE YOUR TIME WISELY.
Your social life is great, but don't let it overrun the other parts of your life. Spend some time with your family. Also, make a lot of time for studying and productivity. I promise that it will pay off in the future.
10. Your friends get you through it.
When you are going through a bad time, it can feel like no one knows how you feel, but that is simply not true. Besides your family, the one group of people who can get you through tough times is your friends. Don't take them for granted.
11. Have goals.
This is probably one of the most important things you will ever need to know. Throughout high school, it can be easy to get caught up in the monotony that is your life. But you have to remember that there is a thing called "life" after high school. You will never be successful by living a mediocre life. Have a goal of greatness that you strive to reach every single day.
